Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of cryogenic agents within analytical systems using freeze thaw valving having an expansion chamber that limits the flow of the cryogenic agent. The expansion chamber is fitted with an expansion nozzle through which a cryogen flows and a porous frit that allows the cryogen to be exhausted. The porous frit initially allows a rapid flow of cryogen into the expansion chamber. This rapid flow lowers the temperature of the expansion chamber causing fluid contents within a freeze thaw segment to freeze. As the cryogen expands into the expansion chamber and turns into a solid, the porous frit is occluded causing the rapid flow to be restricted. The restriction of the cryogen flow by the occlusion of the porous frit allows the freeze thaw valve to use significantly less cryogen. Sublimation of the cryogen trapped within the porous frit provides sufficient cooling to maintain the valve in its closed position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data.

Abstract: The present invention fundamentally differs from conventional methods in which an external force is directly applied to a surface of an article to be modified, and relates to a method of hydrophobilization (increasing a contact angle of water) which comprises bringing a hydrophobilization substance (a substance for increasing a contact angle of water) released from a material of another location into contact with a surface of an article, especially an article surface being hydrophilic (having a small contact angle of water) in its initial state without applying an external force on the article surface, further a method of control being capable of noncontact switching of a contact angle of water, which comprises conducting hydrophilization of an article surface subjected to hydrophobilization by the above-mentioned method in a noncontact manner and repeating these hydrophobilization and hydrophilization, and a method of pattern formation using the mentioned methods.

Abstract: A method of microfluidic control via localized heating includes providing a microchannel structure with a base region that is partially filled with a volume of liquid being separated from a gas by a liquid-gas interface region. The base region includes one or more physical structures. The method further includes supplying energy input to a portion of the one or more physical structures within the volume of liquid in a vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region to cause localized heating of the portion of the one or more physical structures. The method also includes transferring heat from the portion of the one or more physical structures to surrounding liquid in the vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region and generating an interphase mass transport at the liquid-gas interface region or across a gas bubble while the volume of liquid and the gas remain to be substantially at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of valve apparatuses are described.

Abstract: A liquid control apparatus is used for controlling the movement of liquid in a microfluidic device having a flow channel for holding liquid. The apparatus comprises a vibration wave generating section for generating a vibration wave to be applied to the microfluidic device and a signal supplying section for supplying drive signals to the vibration wave generating section so as to oscillate in an oscillation mode selected from a transfer mode for moving liquid in a predetermined direction, a stop mode for stopping the movement of liquid, a mixing and/or agitation mode for mixing and/or agitating liquid and a localization mode for localizing a predetermined substance in liquid.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Herein described is a device for controlling fluid motion in a micro/nanofluidic structure of channels, comprising: a structured volume of material (30), bearing a predetermined configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels (C) for holding and transferring amounts of fluids, adapted to define at least one fluid inlet (IN) and at least one fluid outlet (OUT), and presenting a hydrophobic behaviour for the fluids to be handled; and a substrate (31) made of material with piezoelectric properties, coupled to the abovementioned configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels, bearing means for active control of the motion of an amount of fluid, including transducer means (T1-T6) which comprise at least one pair of interdigitated electrodes applied on the substrate (31), which are arranged to selectively generate a surface acoustic wave adapted to propagate on the substrate (31) and interact with the amount of fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a fluid-bearing module and an actuation module. The fluid-bearing module includes a substrate and a channel formed in the substrate, the channel having microfluidic dimensions. The actuation module is detachably secured to the fluid-bearing module and includes a heating/cooling element adjacent to the channel. The heating/cooling element is controllable to generate or absorb sufficient energy to cause the a material in the valve apparatus to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, or from a solid phase to a liquid phase, or to expand or contract, thereby providing a phase-change valve.

Abstract: A fluid transport/containment apparatus includes a fluid-bearing module and an actuation module. The fluid-bearing module includes a substrate and fluid transport/containment elements distributed therein, with one or more of the fluid transport/containment elements having microfluidic dimensions. The actuation module is detachably secured to the fluid-bearing module such that the actuation elements are operatively interfaced with the fluid transport/containment elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of valve apparatuses are described.

Abstract: A channel switching system includes two microvalves i.e. a first valve (stopper valve) and a second valve (water retaining valve). The first valve is openable and closable, and the second valve is operable to block fluid flow by a surface tension force. Changing the first valve from an open state to a close state enables to switch the system from a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the first valve is mounted by blocking the flow at the second valve by the surface tension force to a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the second valve is mounted by releasing the system from the condition that the flow is blocked at the second valve by the surface tension force.

Abstract: An actuator including a first and second conductor on a dielectric, wherein application of a voltage to the first conductor creates a plasma, thereby modifying a fluid flow in communication with the actuator. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels.

Abstract: A method of estimating a thermophysical property of a fluid using a local model is disclosed herein. The method includes generating, for use within the local model, a series expansion of thermodynamic equations relating to the thermophysical property and one or more derivatives involving the thermophysical property. The method further includes evaluating, based upon a set of specified values of parameters of the fluid, a first order term of the series expansion and a second order term of the series expansion. The values of the first order term and the second order term are then compared. A value of the thermophysical property is then automatically updated when the values of the first order term and the second order term are found to differ by more than a predefined amount.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic valve apparatus includes a flow channel, a hydraulic control channel defining an electro-hydraulic valve junction where the hydraulic control channel is adjacent to the flow channel, a flexible wall between the flow channel and the hydraulic control channel at the electro-hydraulic valve junction, and Peltier devices adjacent to the hydraulic control channel on opposite sides of the electro-hydraulic valve junction for controllably applying a hydraulic force against the flexible wall repositioning the flexible wall in relation to the flow channel to selectively close or open the electro-hydraulic valve apparatus.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a pneumatic or an hydraulic pinch valve. The pinch valve comprises: a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; an inflatable control channel cooperating with a valve section of the microfluidic channel such that pneumatic or hydraulic pressurization of the control channel causes inflation of the control channel and pinching closure of the valve section. The microfluidic system comprises an on-chip MEMS pump in fluidic communication with the control channel for pressurizing said control channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising a first plate forming the substrate and including at least one perforation and, on either side of said first plate, at several locations, a material for defining passage portions consisting, in at least one of said locations, of an activatable material varying in volume on activation, said material being disposed at said locations in an arrangement that, during a first phase and upon activation of at least one location consisting of said activatable material, transforms it from a first configuration to a second configuration, modifying a three-dimensional network corresponding, in the second configuration and depending on the selected location(s) that are activated in said first phase, to different liquid paths including passage portions in offset planes parallel to the plane of the first plate, at least on either side of said first plate, and between which at least one of said perforations is located.

Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for delivering one or more fluids to a microfluidic channel is provided. A microfluidic channel is provided in communication with a first conduit for delivering fluids to the microfluidic channel. Further, the apparatus and method can include a first fluid freeze valve connected to the first conduit and operable to reduce the temperature of the first conduit for freezing fluid in the first conduit such that fluid is prevented from advancing through the first conduit.

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 liquid is occluded in a predetermined carbon nanotube and then heated above a liquid-gas phase transition temperature to spout from the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Microfluidic system (1, 2, 10, 11, 16) comprising a first portion (3, 4, 24, 25) and a second portion (5-7), said first portion (3, 4) comprising a material which is able to change its volume when activated by an exciting factor, characterized by the fact that said first portion (3, 4) and said second portion (5-7) define a zone (3-7) which, when said first portion (3,4) is not yet activated by said exciting factor, shows a first topography devoid of any fluidic pathway and which, after activation by said exciting factor, shows a second topography (9, 14) which is adapted to contain at least one fluidic pathway, said microfluidic system furthermore comprising a tight cover surface (20) situated above said first portion (3, 4) and said second portion (5-7).

Abstract: A microdevice for multistage-mixing of process fluids which has plurality of freely-detachable units connected to each other without using pipes, wherein a microchannel for flow of the process fluids and a channel for flow of a heat-exchange medium are formed in the microdevice by mutual connection of a plurality of the units and the microdevice is locally and independently temperature-controllable.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: A method for inducing a controllable jet in a transparent liquid is disclosed. The method comprises providing a gas-liquid interface, providing a laser source and generating a beam comprising a sequence of laser pulses, and focusing the beam to a target location within the liquid at a predetermined distance from the gas-liquid interface and creating a plurality of cavitation bubbles, yielding a jet directed away from the gas-liquid interface. Other methods and apparatus are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of bonding layers to form a structure, comprises curing a first adhesive while squeezing a first layer and a multilayer structure together between a first backing and a second backing. The multilayer structure comprises a substrate and a second layer, and the first adhesive is between and in contact with the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the first layer and the second layer each have a thickness of at most 100 ?m, and at least one of the first backing and the second backing comprises a first elastic polymer.

Abstract: A microfluidic system, particularly a microfluidic chip, with at least one operational channel, in which a fluid and/or the constituents contained therein are moveable in the direction of the operational channel by a driving force, particularly by using pressure, acoustic energy, or an electrical and/or a magnetic field. At least one measurement sensor used to measure a measurable value assigned to the fluid and derivable in the region of the fluid and at least one regulator is provided to regulate the driving force and/or a parameter that may be influenced by it, wherein the regulator is coupled with a measurement sensor and a device used to alter the driving force and/or the parameter that may be influenced by it. The microfluidic system further relates to a procedure to transport and guide a fluid and/or the constituents contained therein within a microfluidic system of the type described above.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for routing, mixing, or reacting droplets or liquid microstreams along the surface of a flat substrate. The flow of liquid microstreams or microdroplets along designated pathways is confined by chemical surface patterning. Individually addressable heating elements, which are embedded in the substrate, can be used to generate flow via thermocapillary effects or to trigger or quench chemical reactions. The open architecture allows the liquid to remain in constant contact with the ambient atmosphere. The device can be used for microfluidic applications or as a surface reactor or biosensor, among other applications.

Abstract: A method of simply controlling the flow of fluid in a micro system without using a complicated value structure, comprising the steps of adding the substance transformed from sol-gel by stimulation to the fluid flowing through the micro flow passage of the micro system, and adding the stimulation to the fluid at a desired position on the micro flow passage to transform the fluid into gel for flow control.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve and a method of micro-machining the freeze-thaw valve is provided and includes a valve housing, wherein the valve housing defines a housing cavity and includes a housing inlet, a housing vent, a capillary tubing inlet and a capillary tubing outlet. A valve body is provided, at least a portion of which is lithographically constructed, wherein the valve body includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet and an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is disposed to communicate the refrigerant inlet with the refrigerant outlet and includes a restriction region having a flow restriction. Additionally, the valve body is disposed within the housing cavity to form an insulating channel between the valve housing and the valve body.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: An ultrasonically operated valve a source of ultrasonic energy for excitation of a pressurized liquid. The vibration of the ultrasonic horn imparts a pulsing of the pressure of the liquid within the valve. Selection of a sealing mechanism that responds at a different natural frequency than that of the valve body causes the sealing mechanism to unseat and therefore to enable liquid flow. The sealing mechanism will stay unseated as long as the source is imparting energy to the system and therefore inducing pressure pulses in the liquid thus keeping the sealing mechanism away from the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid distribution unit (10, 20) for dividing a liquid current into a plurality of partial currents. Said unit comprises at least one liquid inlet (13, 23) for the supplied liquid current, a plurality of liquid outlets (14; 24) for the partial currents, and a plurality of channels (15, 25) connecting the liquid inlets (13, 23) to the liquid outlets (14, 24). Said unit is characterised in that the channels (15, 25) symmetrically and respectively branch off (16, 26) into upstream channels (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15c; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25c) and each connection leading from the liquid inlet (13; 23 ) to one of the liquid outlets (14; 24) comprises the same channels (15, 25) and the same branches (16, 26). A liquid distribution device for the divided distributiion of at least two different liquids; comprises a plurality of such liquid distribution units (10, 20) placed flatly on top of each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microstructure using maskless lithography. A first layer is provided in a spaced relationship to a base layer so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough that communicates with the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a polymerizing agent is directed towards a portion of the material so as to polymerize the same. The polymerized material defines a channel network and the non-polymerized material is flushed from the channel network.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically-opened micro fluid-valve. The inventive valve comprises: at least one planar support (12); at least one afferent microchannel (14); at least one efferent microchannel (16), said microchannels being arranged in the support (12); such that at least one of the ends (141 and 161) thereof touch the inner face (121) of the support close to one another; at least one deposit (18) of a heat-sensitive material which is disposed on the inner face (121) of the support (12); and at least one heating means (20). According to the invention, the aforementioned deposit (18) of heat-sensitive material at least partially seals the space separating the ends (141 and 161) of the microchannels (14 and 16), thereby preventing same from intercommunicating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit and, more particularly, to methods of controlling the movement of fluid through a microfluidic circuit using one or more triggerable passive valves. In one embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit according to the present invention, the microfluidic circuit includes a triggerable valve in series with a passive valve. In a further embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit according to the present invention, the microfluidic circuit includes first and second triggerable valves in parallel.

Abstract: A relay long in service life aiming at higher reliability and lower cost is achieved by use of a technology of microelectromechanical•systems. The relay comprises a flow path having narrow chokes and wide chokes, formed by bonding two insulating members together, a plurality of liquid chambers formed by partitioning the flow path with the narrow chokes and the wide chokes, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the plurality of the liquid chambers, respectively, first and second gas chambers disposed so as to communicate with respective ends of the flow path, a gas sealed in the first and second gas chambers, respectively, heating means for heating the gas, and holes defined in one of the insulating members, communicating with the flow path, respectively, wherein a conductive fluid is introduced into the flow path through respective inlet ports of the holes, and the respective inlet ports are sealed.

Abstract: An improved double block and double bleed stream switching system (modifiable to, for example, a double block, single bleed stream switching system) includes a common stream path for a multitude of gas streams from, for example, a process pipeline. The improved stream switching system includes a heating mechanism and insulation oven to help temperature stabilization, along with a structure to separate temperature sensitive solenoids from the heated area. Pre-heat coils are located between the sample switching system and the sample shut off system to warm the gas sample and to act as a flow restrictor. A first embodiment is suited for the Division 1 environment and a second embodiment is suited for Division 2 uses. The improved stream switching system may also feature membrane or cartridge filters located upstream of the sample wetted portion of the stream switching system.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve is provided using a Peltier heat pump where the thermal short-circuit path between a cooled thermal mass and a heated thermal mass is reduced or absent and the valve state transition time is minimized. The freeze-thaw valve comprises a Peltier heat pump mounted to a heat exchange surface that comprises a cross-drilled copper water jacket or manifold. The Peltier heat pump is operated to maintain a cooled thermal mass at a substantially constant low temperature. A resistance heating element is used to produce a heated thermal mass. The freeze-thaw segment of a fluid conduit is commutated to contact either the heated or the cooled thermal mass to thaw and therefore open the valve or cool and thus close the valve. The operation of the Peltier heat pump at a constant temperature avoids problems inherent in the use of a Peltier heat pump to both heat and cool a freeze thaw segment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to valves for use in controlling the flow of fluid and, more particularly, to a triggerable passive valve for use in controlling the flow of fluid. In one embodiment, a fluid delivery channel is connected to a flow restrictor and a passive valve positioned in the fluid delivery channel downstream from the flow restrictor. The first passive valve prevents fluid from moving through the channel when the pressure exerted by the fluid on the first passive valve is below the burst pressure. A pneumatic actuator actuates the valve by forcing fluid through the passive valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of moving a fluid in a capillary using a capillary chip having a layer including a polymer composition and a capillary formed on the surface or inside of the aforementioned layer including a polymer composition, wherein the aforementioned capillary has a movement control part, and the aforementioned movement control part includes multiple and sequential opening/closing parts; the aforementioned opening/closing part blocks movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by increase in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the closed state, while it permits movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by decrease in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the open state; and the aforementioned method of moving the fluid includes a step (a) of switching the aforementioned multiple opening/closing parts from the open state to the closed state sequentially in a movement direction by changing

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing drag in fluid flow through pipes that utilizes microbubbles and acoustic energy are provided. A gas ejector for microbubble generation in a pipe is provided and includes a pipe comprising a wall having inner and outer diameters and at lease one orifice in the wall for ejecting gas microbubbles into the pipe. To cause the formation of the microbubbles, a flow restrictor is provided in the pipe, with the flow restrictor being spaced from the inner diameter of the pipe wall and positioned adjacent the at least one orifice. The flow restrictor causes and increase in the velocity of the fluid in the pipe past the at least one orifice, and produces a pressure drop which draws gas into the orifice. That gas is then ejected into the pipe in the form of microbubbles. Acoustic energy may be used to provide further reductions in drag.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having a plurality of functional features for performing one or more fluidic operations in parallel are provided. Reagents, samples or other fluids common to multiple functional features (“common fluids”) may be input into a microfluidic device or system through one or more distributing inputs that divide and distribute the common fluids as desired. The use of a multi-layer fabrication technique allows multiple distributing inputs to distribute to multiple functional features in a microfluidic device without undesirable fluid channel intersections.