Abstract: A droplet can be moved along a surface of a moving surface forming member in a simple method. At both sides of the moving surface forming member 1 configured to form a moving surface on which the droplet is moved and made of a nonmagnetic material, magnetic field forming members 4A and 4B configured to form a magnetic field gradient such that intensity of a magnetic field decreases as a distance from an area where the droplet is positioned on the surface of the moving surface forming member 1 increases along the surface is provided. By relatively moving the moving surface forming member 1 with respect to the magnetic field forming members 4A and 4B along the surface, the droplet is moved along the magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for improving flow of a viscous fluid in a fluid transport conduit. The device includes a porous conduit having a passage through which the viscous fluid may pass between upstream and downstream sections of the fluid transport conduit and a casing member having a wall which extends around the porous conduit. The device is configured such that, when it is in situ, a fluid transfer chamber having at least one fluid inlet is defined between the casing member wall and porous conduit. A lubricating fluid may pass under pressure through the inlet(s) into the fluid transfer chamber and through the porous conduit into the passage to lubricate the flow of the viscous fluid being transported.

Abstract: A thermal switch has a first substrate, a thermally conductive region on the first substrate, a thermally insulative region on the first substrate adjacent the thermally conductive region, a second substrate arranged adjacent the first substrate, a droplet of thermally conductive liquid between the first and second substrate adjacent the thermally conductive region and the thermally insulative region, and an actuator arranged on one of the first or second substrates to cause the droplet to move between the thermally conductive region and the thermally insulative region on the first substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for transporting a fluid, in particular a micropump or microvalve. The device has films, which lie against each other at film surfaces facing each other and are connected to each other in such a way that a transport channel to be formed between the films is defined, Deflecting apparatuses for forming the transport channel by jointly deflecting the films lie against each other in a direction perpendicular to the film surfaces. A deflecting surface region of the rear film in the deflection direction lies within the deflecting surface region of the front film in the deflection direction defined by the connection between the films.

Abstract: Method for reducing loss of flow due to hydrate solids deposits and wax deposition in a pipeline without the aid of chemicals and system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water, using a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor connected to the main pipeline or within or forming a part of the pipeline, wherein at least a portion of the wellstream is fed to the cold-flow reactor. Also provided is a method for preventing hydrate nucleation and growth in a pipeline and preventing hydrate agglomeration as well as for preventing wax deposition. The provided method eliminates the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Generating dry hydrates to be mixed with main flow of a wellstream is also described.

Abstract: A device for creating a magnetic field in a fuel line of a fuel burning apparatus includes a pair of magnets each having a substantially flat north pole and a substantially flat south pole and mounted by a holder on opposite sides of the fuel line with the north pole of one magnet facing the south pole of the other magnet to create a magnetic field between the facing north and south poles, the magnetic field passing through the fuel line. The magnets are mounted so that the north pole and south pole are substantially parallel to one another and to the fuel line. The holder may include magnet brackets mounted on the fuel line by a connector, such as a strap device, extending through the brackets. Spacers can be used on the strap to properly space the magnets so they remain opposite one another.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a droplet manipulation method capable of manipulating a droplet only by magnetic-field manipulation without physical manipulation such as electric-field manipulation, and a droplet manipulation device with which such a method can be implemented. A droplet manipulation device for transporting a droplet in a droplet encapsulating medium, comprising: a container 4 which holds the droplet encapsulating medium; a droplet 12,13,14 composed of a water-based liquid; a gel-state droplet encapsulating medium 31 which is insoluble or poorly soluble in the water-based liquid; magnetic particles 8 included in the droplet composed of the water-based liquid; and means for applying a magnetic field to generate a magnetic field 61 to transport the droplet together with the magnetic particles. A method for manipulating a droplet in a droplet encapsulating medium held in a container, using the devise.

Abstract: Electronic-fluidic hybrid form dividers, constructed by a simple planer droplet generation structure, a pair of signal electrodes, and a responsive control valve, which is programmed to respond to only certain signal droplets, by a basic electronic principle: change of voltage share between impedances. Detected fluidic information is addressed in both electronic and fluidic forms, and the fluidic pathway is well-confined in a simple planar structure, although its control valve is in a second layer, thereby minimizing any fluidic disturbance. Various configurations comprise a plurality of identical structures, which can alter their cumulative function by re-assignment of required voltage share. The hybrid divider can be assembled into a fluidic universal logic gate, of a simple two inlet and one outlet signal channels structure, and switch between sixteen functions by re-assigning voltage share.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for protecting a fluid stream from fouling using particles that include phase change materials. In an example, the particles are injected into the fluid stream and release energy at a selected temperature, which may warm the fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: A user-friendly multi-layer micro/nanofluidic flow device and micro/nano fabrication process are provided for numerous uses. The multi-layer micro/nanofluidic flow device can comprise: a substrate, such as indium tin oxide coated glass (ITO glass); a conductive layer of ferroelectric material, preferably comprising a PZT layer of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) positioned on the substrate; electrodes connected to the conductive layer; a nanofluidics layer positioned on the conductive layer and defining nanochannels; a microfluidics layer positioned upon the nanofluidics layer and defining microchannels; and biomolecular nanovalves providing bio-nanovalves which are moveable from a closed position to an open position to control fluid flow at a nanoscale.

Abstract: A microchip including a first substrate with a groove formed on a substrate surface or a pass-through hole passing in a thickness direction of the substrate, and one or more second substrates laminated on a surface of the first substrate; the microchip including an optical measurement cuvette consisting of a space configured by the groove or the pass-through hole, and a substrate surface of the second substrate; wherein a side wall surface of the second substrate is positioned on an inner side than a side wall surface of the first substrate in at least one part of a side wall surface of the microchip, and a method of using the same are provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Abstract: A flow guide structure for a bladeless air fan. The bladeless air fan includes a host and an airflow guiding frame. The host includes an airflow generator. The airflow guiding frame is connected to the host and includes an air discharging portion which has an airflow guiding passage inside to communicate with the airflow generator. The air discharging portion also includes an airflow gathering wall, an inner ring compression wall and an outer ring compression wall extended forwards from two ends of the airflow gathering wall. From the junctions of the airflow gathering wall and inner ring compression wall and outer ring compression wall, the inner ring compression wall and outer ring compression wall are spaced from each other at a decreasing interval between them, and the inner ring compression wall and outer ring compression wall also have distal ends forming a front air outlet to discharge airflow forwards.

Abstract: A bladeless air fan includes a host and an airflow guiding frame. The host divides into a housing section to hold an airflow generator and a pivoting section to include two first pivoting portions. The airflow generator is connected to an airflow guiding manifold extended from the housing section to the pivoting section. The airflow guiding frame includes an air discharging portion and an airflow guiding passage and two second pivoting portions being annular to form two air intake ports communicating with the airflow guiding passage. The second pivoting portions are rotatably coupled with the first pivoting portions such that the airflow guiding passage communicates with the airflow guiding manifold. The air discharging portion encircles an airflow passage being formed at an inner diameter allowing the housing section to pass through to enlarge the range of the second pivoting portions rotating against the first pivoting portions.

Abstract: Exhaust having particulate matter travels through a condensation chamber. Liquid vapor, such as water vapor, is provided to the condensation chamber. High intensity sound of low, mid-range and high frequencies accelerates the growth and collection of water droplets that contain the target emissions by moving the particles and gases at differing speeds to increase the amount of interaction between droplets and particulates. The result is the rapid growth of droplets entrapping particulates to remove the particulates form the exhaust stream. An acceleration enhancement is the application of opposite electrical charges to the vapor and the emissions. Sound and charging can be used independently, or in combination.

Abstract: An electrokinetic fluidic system (100, 100?, 100?) for controlling liquid flow in e.g. a lab-on-a-chip system (200) comprising a first and a second electrode (10, 10?) said first and second electrode comprising a polymer based or oxide based conductive, electrochemically active electrode material, said electrode material being adapted to be subjected to an electrochemical reaction when in use in said electrokinetic fluid system (100).

Abstract: A scale removing or preventing device can send a signal to a hollow body containing a fluid through a wire wound around the hollow body. The device includes a signal generator for generating a signal and a signal modulator for modulating the signal. The signal has a continuous sinusoidal wave form having a parametric representation and a frequency cycle, and a plurality of parametric pieces joined together at respective switching points in the frequency cycle, wherein the first derivatives of the parametric representation of the wave form at the respective switching points are continuous or discontinuous. The provision of a plurality of switching points with continuous or discontinuous first derivations and/or zigzag patterns over the entire signal increases the sudden momentum to the deposition molecules of the scale in each frequency cycle, and thereby increases the mobility of the water scale and removes the scale more effectively.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to surface tension controlled valves used for handling biological fluids. The valves controlled by optically actuating an electro-wetting circuit.

Abstract: Method and system for uniformly spacing particles in a flowing system comprising suspending particles in an elongated fluid filled cavity; exposing said cavity to an axial acoustic standing wave field, wherein said axial acoustic standing wave field drives said particles to nodal and anti-nodal positions along the center axis of said cavity to result in uniformly spaced particles; and focusing said particles to the center axis of said cavity.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance system includes a flow passage and a cavity adjacent a side of the flow passage. A wall of the passage includes a flexible section that separates the cavity from the flow passage. The cavity contains a ferrofluidic material. The system further includes at least one magnetic field source positioned adjacent the flow channel. The magnetic field source is operable to move the ferrofluidic material in the cavity to exert a pressure on the flexible section and displace the flexible section into the flow passage to alter the flow of material through the passage. A method of collecting components from a sample volume includes the steps of distributing magnetic particles into the sample volume, capturing the components from the sample volume, and applying a magnetic field to the sample volume to control directional flow of the sample volume.

Abstract: The application of an optical beam redirects sheathed micro-fluidic flow without direct interaction with the sample. The hydrodynamic properties of the sheath are locally modified due to optical absorption and heating, resulting in a spatial shift of the sample flow. The technique can result in up to 100 ?m shift at peak flow velocities of 19 mm/sec.

Abstract: A steam turbine system uses a laser to instantaneously vaporize water in a nozzle within a turbine. This steam is then used to rotate the turbine. Thus, the turbine system does not require an external boiler. The steam turbine system may be used in either an open system, where the steam passing through the turbine is not condensed and reused, or a closed system, where the steam passing through the turbine is condensed and reused.

Abstract: Macroscopic volumes of fluid can be moved across a surface, including windshields, without mechanical assistance. Insulated electrodes, which for windshields and windows are preferably transparent, are embedded in the surface of the windshield. Varying voltages are supplied to the electrodes to generate intense surface fringe electric fields moving in a given direction across the surface. The intense surface fringe electric fields exert strong electrical forces on the polar molecules of the fluid. These forces move the fluid in specific directions dependent on the geometry of the electrode array and the manner in which voltage is applied to each electrode within an array of electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of controlling mass movement of fluid material within a field of interest comprising using time reversal acoustic focusing. The time reversal acoustic focusing can be is used for simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing of acoustic energy to control the duration of localization and/or direction of movement of material within tissue or liquid within tissue. Both delivery of material and persistence with respect to target locations can be enhanced by focusing of sonic waveforms or transmissions towards targeted areas in a field of interest, such as within a patient.

Abstract: An improvement is described for the processing of biological material in a continuous stream by the application of radiant energy taken from the wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet, and its absorption by a feedstock in a workspace of featuring controlled turbulence created by one or more counter-rotating disk impellers. The absorbed energy and the controlled turbulence patterns create a continuous process of productive change in a feed into the reactor, with separated light and heavy product output streams flowing both inward and outward from the axis in radial counterflow. The basic mechanism of processing can be applied to a wide range of feedstocks, from the promotion of the growth of algae to make biofuel or other forms of aquaculture, to a use in the controlled combustion of organic material to make biochar.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface by ejecting a fluid flowing through the fluid actuator is described. The fluid actuator has at least two outlet lines with outlet openings at the respective ends thereof, and a feed line connected to the outlet lines for feeding fluid at a supply pressure, a flow direction diverting device into which the feed line opens and out of which the outlet lines open, and an adjusting device coupled to the flow direction diverting device to control the latter. The adjusting device is configured so the fluid is conducted successively in a cyclic sequence into each of the outlet lines. A discharge device for discharging a fluid out of a flow body, and a flow body having a multiplicity of discharge openings and a discharge device of said type are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating drops in a microfluid circuit, comprising at least one microchannel (12) through which the drops flow, characterized in that a laser (26) is brought to bear on the interface of said drops in the transport liquid (F3), or on the interface of drops in contact, in order to carry out a sorting of the drops, to form nanodrops from a larger drop or to fuse drops (60, 64) in contact and initiate reactions between the fluids contained in said drops.

Abstract: A method and a microfluidic device are provided to regulate fluid flow by equalization of channel pressures. The fluid flow is regulated by way of valve-actuated channel pressures.

Abstract: The system conditions a variety of fluids thereby improving the performance of the fluid. The system includes a containment structure for containing a first member comprising a first material having a first Fermi level and a second member comprising a second material comprising a second Fermi level. The first Fermi level is higher than the second Fermi level. The members are adjacent and separated by a separation distance sufficient to permit the fluid to be directed through the containment structure and between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a micro-pump system in which the production process is simplified and the device is further downsized. A microfluidic device 1 has a gas generation portion 3. The gas generation portion 3 has a substrate 10 and a gas generation layer 20. The substrate 10 has a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b. The substrate 10 has a micro-channel 14 with an opening at least on the first main surface 10a. The gas generation layer 20 is disposed on the first main surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover an opening 14a. The gas generation layer 20 generates gas by receiving an external stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the control of fluids and, in some cases, to systems and methods for flowing a fluid into and/or out of other fluids. As examples, fluid may be injected into a droplet contained within a fluidic channel, or a fluid may be injected into a fluidic channel to create a droplet. In some embodiments, electrodes may be used to apply an electric field to one or more fluidic channels, e.g., proximate an intersection of at least two fluidic channels. For instance, a first fluid may be urged into and/or out of a second fluid, facilitated by the electric field. The electric field, in some cases, may disrupt an interface between a first fluid and at least one other fluid. Properties such as the volume, flow rate, etc.

Abstract: A structure of an orifice plate for an engine mount filled with a magnetorheological (“MR”) fluid may include a core of which a center part may be formed at the center thereof and a blade part may be formed with a plurality of blades protruding in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the center part, and a coil assembly enclosing the outer periphery of the center part and wired up, wherein a gap may be formed between the blades so as to allow the MR fluid to flow between the blades and the coil assembly applied with current magnetizes adjacent blades to have different polarities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the design and fabrication of biological constructs, such as organ simulants or organ replacements, which contain complex microfluidic architecture. Designs of the present invention provide increased space in the lateral dimension, enabling a large number of small channels for small vessels.

Abstract: A quantum reaction method and a device thereof. The quantum reaction method includes steps of: providing a first reaction space and a second reaction space. Building at least one magnetic force tunnel set between the first and second reaction spaces. Building at least one agitation magnetic field set in at least one of the first and second reaction spaces. Filling into the first and second reaction spaces a reaction fluid approximately at the pressure and temperature of liquid-gas interface (boiling point curve); and turning on the agitation magnetic field set to agitate the reaction fluid, whereby the magnetic force tunnel set guides the reaction fluid to back and forth flow between the first and second reaction spaces to alternately react.

Abstract: A system and a method for the controlled manipulation of any number of magnetic particles in solution are shown. The system and the method of the present invention are based on the employment of magnetic conduits properly structured in order to inject, move and annihilate with high precision magnetic domain walls and on the fact that said magnetic domain walls exert a high attraction force on magnetic particles. The injection, movement and annihilation of domain walls along said magnetic conduit result, therefore, in the trapping, movement and release, respectively, of single magnetic particles placed in solution in proximity of said magnetic conduits. The devices of the present invention guarantee the possibility of a digital transfer of magnetic particles along conduits formed by linear segments as well as high control and nanometric precision in the manipulation of said magnetic particles on curved conduits.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to control flow separation of an ambient flow along a surface and about a turret, such as by reducing flow separation aft of the turret. By reducing flow separation, the resulting turbulence may be similarly reduced such that the performance of a system, such as a laser system, housed by the turret may be improved. To reduce flow separation, a motive flow may be provided by ejector nozzles that open through the surface and are positioned proximate to and aft of the turret relative to the ambient flow. The motive flow has a greater velocity than the ambient flow to thereby create a region aft of the turret of reduced pressure relative to an ambient pressure. Within this region of reduced pressure aft of the turret, a portion of the ambient flow mixes with the motive flow, thereby reducing or eliminating flow separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the electromagnetic stirring of electrically conductive fluids in the liquid state and/or in the state of onsetting solidification of the fluid, using a rotating magnetic field that is produced in the horizontal plane of a Lorentz force. The aim is to achieve an intensive three-dimensional flow on the inside of the fluid for mixing in the liquid state up to the direct vicinity of solidifying fronts, and to simultaneously ensure an undisturbed, free surface of the fluid. The solution is to change the direction of rotation of the magnetic field rotating in the horizontal plane at regular time intervals in the form of a period duration, wherein the frequency of the directional change of movement of the magnetic field vector is adjusted such that in the state of mixing the liquid fluid a period duration is adjusted between two directional changes of the magnetic field during a time interval as a function of the adjustment time with the condition (I) 0.5.ti.

Abstract: A device for displaying information comprising at least one display element which includes: a liquid, the surface energy thereof being variable by means of an electric field; a first and a second volume for receiving the liquid, wherein said first and said second volume are defined by a first effective radius or a second effective radius, respectively, a fluidic passage between said first and said second volume, wherein in a first state said liquid substantially occupies said first volume and wherein in a second state said liquid substantially occupies said second volume, is characterized in that said passage is configured such that the fraction of the liquid facing to the unoccupied volume comprises a radius which is smaller than the effective radius of the presently occupied volume.

Abstract: Drag experienced by a vehicle traveling through an environmental media, such as air or water, may be modified by one or more energy beams which may increase or decrease drag. Environmental media may be adjusted by microwave, chemical, ultrasonic, acoustic (including subsonic, sonic, or ultrasonic), or electromagnetic energy. One or more energy beams may be directed toward a transition region between turbulent and laminar flow, at the leading edge of a laminar flow, or in the direction of a crosswind.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid processing unit through which fluid may flow while being processed. The fluid processing unit comprises a casing and one or more cassettes each comprising an outer housing being arranged so that the outer housing forms at least a part of the casing and each comprising a flow passage through the cassette. At least one of the cassettes comprises at least one fluid interaction component or is adapted to receive at least one fluid interaction component. The fluid processing unit comprises total pressure increasing means for at least partially overcoming the pressure loss due to the fluid flowing through the unit, the total pressure increasing means and one, more or all of the one or more fluid interaction components being encapsulated by the casing.

Abstract: A modular control device (1) is proposed, containing a support module arrangement (3) equipped with a control module arrangement (15). Additionally provided information-carrying modules (42) make it possible to make information regarding the control modules (16) available. They respectively contain a fastening section (43) fixed in place on the support module arrangement (3) and an information-carrying section (45), which is pivotably seated on hinge means (44). The information-carrying section is embodied in an L-shape and can be selectively positioned in a working position, in which it extends over the control module arrangement (15), or in a release position, in which it makes the control module arrangement (15) accessible.

Abstract: Methods and devices for using one or more fluidic channels for generating binary states are described. In particular, the present teachings relate to incorporating such fluidic channels into devices that use the generated binary states in various applications.

Abstract: A heat pump comprising at least two devices for displacement of droplets of liquid by electro-wetting, where one comprises a control unit such that it forms a compressor (18) of the pneumatic fluid confined between the droplets of liquid, where the other comprises a control unit such that it forms an expander (22) to expand the pneumatic fluid confined between the droplets of liquid, where the high-pressure end of the compressor (18) is connected to the high-pressure end of the expander (22) through a thermal exchanger (20) of a hot source (SC), and where the low-pressure end of the expander (22) is connected to the low-pressure end of the compressor (18) through a thermal exchanger (16) with a cold source (SF), and where the unit formed by the compressor (18), the expander (22), and the thermal exchangers (16, 20) forms a single channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling droplet motion in an electric field by reducing volume of a single droplet to a very small volume using a strong electric field and controlling a position of a droplet using a repulsive force of the same polarity, and a method of the same. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode, an insulator disposed above the first electrode, a discharge tip disposed above the insulator by a predetermined distance and dividing a transferred fluid into a small volume of a droplet, and a second electrode contacting the fluid supplied through the discharge tip. The first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field at an end of the discharge tip by forming a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A boundary layer energiser (20) for energising a boundary layer flow (33) over a surface (22), the boundary layer energiser (20) comprising one or more passages (24) terminating in one or more respective holes (26) provided on the surface (22), wherein the one or more passages (24) comprises at least one fin (25) configured so as to generate a vortex flow in the one or more passages (24) such that, when in use, a fluid emanating from the one or more passages (24) flows in a vortex.