Abstract: A gas burner apparatus for discharging a mixture of fuel gas, air and flue gas into a furnace space of a furnace wherein the mixture is burned and flue gas having a low content of nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide is formed is provided. The burner tile includes at least one gas circulation port extending though the wall of the tile. The interior surface of the wall of the tile includes a Coanda surface. Fuel gas and/or flue gas conducted through the gas circulation port follows the path of the Coanda surface which allows more flue gas to be introduced into the stream. The exterior surface of the wall of the tile also includes a Coanda surface for facilitating the creation of a staged combustion zone. Also provided are improved burner tiles, improved gas tips and methods of burning a mixture of air, fuel gas and flue gas in a furnace space.

Abstract: Using basic physical arguments, a design and method for the fabrication of microfluidic valves using multilayer soft lithography is presented. Embodiments of valves in accordance with the present invention feature elastomer membrane portions of substantially constant thickness, allowing the membranes to experience similar resistance to an applied pressure across their entire width. Such on-off valves fabricated with upwardly- or downwardly-deflectable membranes can have extremely low actuation pressures, and can be used to implement active functions such as pumps and mixers in integrated microfluidic chips. Valve performance was characterized by measuring both the actuation pressure and flow resistance over a wide range of design parameters, and comparing them to both finite element simulations and alternative valve geometries.

Abstract: The method for controlling the progression of a fluid, from upstream to downstream, in a microfluidic component comprising for example a plurality of microchannels each comprising a plurality of successive reaction or detection zones and a plurality of passive valves, controls the progression of the fluid in the microchannels by controlling the increase of a pressure difference between upstream and downstream of the component. The method controls the pressure difference increase discontinuously in the form of enabling pulses so as in particular to synchronize passing of the corresponding passive valves of the microchannels. The pressure difference is advantageously adjusted to a zero value between two successive enabling pulses.

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 5 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 10 application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

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: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

Abstract: A fan assembly for creating an air current is described, the fan assembly having a nozzle, a system for creating an air flow through the nozzle and a filter for removing particulates from the air flow, the nozzle having an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow, wherein the fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan, i.e. air flow is created by a bladeless fan.

Abstract: Pressure compensators (1) for stabilizing a flow of water are disclosed. The pressure compensator (1) includes water compensating channels (3) formed on the outer periphery of their body (2), and flow orifices (4) passing through the pressure compensator (1), so that the water compensating channels and the flow orifices control the flow rate of the water at varying pressures. The body of the pressure compensator (1) preferably comprises a flexible material, such as rubber.

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: A zirconium- and alumina-containing silicate glass suitable for use as a frit with refractory materials such as alumina is disclosed, the silicate glass comprising a glass composition in mole percent (mol %) of: 2<B2O3<7 mol % 75<SiO2<80 mol % 3<Al2O3<5 mol % 2<ZrO2<5 mol% 9<Na2O+K2O<15 mol % 0<alkali earth+lanthanide<15 mol % and wherein the total mole percent of SiO2, AlO3 and ZrO2 together is greater than 82 but less than 86, and wherein the total mole percent of B2O3, Na2O, K2O, alkali earths and lanthanides together is greater than 13 and less than 18. Frits (200,600), composites (600) and microfluidic devices (12) comprising the glass are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic apparatus including integrated porous substrate/sensors that may be used for detecting targeted biological and chemical molecules and compounds. In one aspect, upper and lower microfluidic channels are defined in respective halves of a substrate, which are sandwiched around a porous membrane upon assembly. In other aspect, the upper and lower channels are formed such that a portion of the lower channel passes beneath a portion of the upper channel to form a cross-channel area, wherein the membrane is disposed between the two channels. In various embodiments, one or more porous membranes are disposed proximate to corresponding cross-channel areas defined by one or more upper and lower channels. The porous membrane may also have sensing characteristics, such that it produces a change in an optical and/or electronic characteristic.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to microchannel apparatus that includes microchannels with interior surface features for modifying flow; processes utilizing this microchannel architecture, and methods of making apparatus having these features.

Abstract: A brushless motor has a stator and a rotor rotatably installed inside of the stator. The stator includes a stator core with teeth protruding inwardly and windings wound on the teeth. The rotor includes a shaft, a rotor core fixed on the shaft, and a ring magnet fixed to the circumferential outer surface of the rotor core. The magnet includes a plurality of magnetic poles radially magnetized so that north poles and south poles are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. Boundary lines between magnetic poles are skewed by an angle relative to an axis of the shaft.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for jetting compressed air and a method of manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus includes: an air intake pipe having a discharge hole, through which compressed air received from outside the apparatus is discharged, formed on an outer surface having a curved or multilateral shape; and an amplifying unit having a contact surface combining to the outer surface by having a curved or multilateral shape corresponding to the outer surface, and including an inlet portion wherein an inlet hole corresponding to the discharge hole is formed on the contact surface, and an outlet portion for amplifying and discharging the compressed air received through the inlet hole on the contact surface. As such, by forming the contact surface of the amplifying unit to have a curved or multilateral shape corresponding to the outer surface of the air intake pipe, the contact surface of the amplifying unit and the outer surface of the air intake pipe may be closely and uniformly bound together.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for nucleic acid analysis includes a monolithic semiconductor body (13), a microfluidic circuit (10), at least partially accommodated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13), and a micropump (11). The microfluidic circuit (10) includes a sample preparation channel (18) formed on the monolithic semiconductor body (13) and at least one microfluidic channel (20, 22) buried in the monolithic semiconductor body (13). The micropump (11), includes a plurality of sealed chambers (40) provided with respective openable sealing elements (41) and having a first pressure therein that is different from a second pressure in the microfluidic circuit (10). In addition, the micropump (11) and the microfluidic circuit (10) are configured so that opening the openable sealing elements (41) provides fluidic coupling between the respective chambers (40) and the microfluidic circuit (10). The openable sealing elements (41) are integrated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13).

Abstract: A bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump is described. The micro-pump comprises: a substrate, an actuating mechanism and a fluid channel. The actuating mechanism comprises: a first slanted membrane the thickness of which increases progressively from left to right, a first chamber formed between the first slanted membrane and the substrate; and a second slanted membrane, the thickness of which decreases progressively from left to right, the second slanted membrane being located to the first slanted membrane's right side and parallel to the first slanted membrane with a space between the two membranes, a second chamber formed between the second slanted membrane and the substrate. By inflating the first chamber and the second chamber, the first slanted membrane and the second slanted membrane generate a continuous sweeping motion to force the working fluid to flow.

Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising one or more microfluidic diaphragm valves and control circuitry for the valves. Each valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from the sealing surface. The control circuitry is configured to control actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: An acoustical fluid control mechanism and a method of controlling fluid flow of a working fluid with the acoustical fluid control mechanism are provided. The mechanism comprises a resonance chamber that defines a cavity. The resonance chamber has a port. The cavity is sealed from the ambient but for the port for enabling oscillatory flow of a working fluid into and out of the cavity upon exposure of the resonance chamber to an acoustic signal containing a tone at a frequency that is substantially similar to a particular resonance frequency of the resonance chamber. The mechanism further includes a rectifier for introducing directional bias to the oscillatory flow of the working fluid through the port. The rectifier has an inlet connected to the port and an outlet for transmitting the directional flow of the working fluid away from the cavity. The outlet is in fluid communication with the port of the resonance chamber at least during transmission of the directional flow of the working fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A micro-machined temperature dependent one-shot valve is provided which has an operation temperature adjustable readily, causing no leakage below the operation temperature even at a high pressure difference, being useful both in a liquid environment and in a gas environment, and being miniaturizable. The micro-machined temperature dependent one-shot valve comprises a silicon substrate 100, a channel 101 penetrating the entire thickness of the silicon substrate, and a low melting point metal member 101 deposited on one face of the silicon substrate to obstruct the channel.

Abstract: A process for fabricating multiple microfluidic device chips. The process includes fabricating multiple micromachined tubes in a semiconductor device wafer. The tubes are fabricated so that each tube has an internal fluidic passage and an inlet and outlet thereto defined in a surface of the device wafer. The device wafer is then bonded to a glass wafer to form a device wafer stack, and so that through-holes in the glass wafer are individually fluidically coupled with the inlets and outlets of the tubes. The glass wafer is then bonded to a metallic wafer to form a package wafer stack, so that through-holes in the metallic wafer are individually fluidically coupled with the through-holes of the glass wafer. Multiple microfluidic device chips are then singulated from the package wafer stack. Each device chip has a continuous flow path for a fluid therethrough that is preferably free of organic materials.

Abstract: A multiplexed concentration interface that can connect with a plurality of microchannels, conventional 96 well plates or other microarrays is disclosed. The interface can be used in biosensing platforms and can be designed to detect single or multiple targets such as DNA/RNA, proteins and carbohydrates/oligosaccharides. The multiplexed concentration device will provide a set of volume-matched sample preparation and detection strategies directly applicable by ordinary researchers. Furthermore, a multiplexed microfluidic concentrator without buffer channels is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric device (105), wherein the elastomeric device contains a relief structure with indentations with respect to the base (110), (102) and wherein selected ones of said indentations comprise at least two indentation depths (112), (108) and indentation widths (101), (107). It also relates to a method of making a master for construction of said elastomeric device comprising a procedure to provide a pattern on a substrate of a suitable material. One step in. the construction of said elastomeric device comprises a molding procedure of an elastomer. Methods of using the elastomeric device in printing, fluidic control, sorting, lab-on-a-chip devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices may be fabricated from thermoplastics using, for example, hot embossing techniques. In some embodiments, the devices feature non-uniform surface modifications.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve. The valve comprises an inlet port; an outlet port; a thermal bend actuator; and a valve closure member cooperating with the actuator. Actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the closure member, thereby regulating a flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: A gas turbine transition into an emission reduction catalyst is improved by adding properly curved surfaces so as to induce the Coanda effect. Such a surface allows for a reduction in pressure drop, shorter duct lengths, and elimination of some or all of traditionally used flow re-distribution devices.

Abstract: A device for piloting by means of a substantially incompressible fluid, comprising a two-way flow control valve which operates along a piloting line and has at least one first port and one second port, which are adapted to be connected, respectively, to elements for supplying a substantially incompressible fluid under pressure and to a fluid-operated element to be piloted by the piloting line and choke elements arranged in parallel to the flow control valve along a bypass duct which is closed in a loop on the piloting line, the flow control valve being actuated for closing by the pressure at the second port, the calibration pressure value at which the flow control valve closes being at most equal to the actuation pressure value of the element to be piloted.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first reservoir to receive a first fluid, a second reservoir to receive a second fluid, and a main channel coupled to the first and second reservoirs through one or more branch channels. A first one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the first one-use pump is broken. A second one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the second one-use pump is broken.

Abstract: A valve chip may include a substrate having first and second faces and openings between the first and second faces, and a plurality of flexible valve flaps on one of the faces of the substrate with each flexible valve flap being associated with at least one of the openings. The valve chip may be packaged by forming a frame having an opening therein, and securing the valve chip in the opening of the frame. More particularly, the valve chip may be secured in the opening so that central portions of the first and second faces of the substrate are exposed through the opening in the frame and so that a fluid seal is provided between the frame and edges of the substrate. Related valves, valve assemblies, and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A microfluidic connection comprising a carrier element having a microfluidic channel fixed between a feeding element and a backplate. The feeding element comprises a channel adopted for feeding a fluid into the microfluidic channel of the carrier element. The backplate comprises a recess arranged opposing the feeding element and comprising an elastic thrust piece.

Abstract: A laminated structure is formed by stacking a first block member, an intermediate member, and a second block member together in this order, and then mutually joining each of the members. Further, by setting the elastic constant of the intermediate member to be greater than the elastic constants of the first block member and the second block member, deformation of grooves, which are formed in the first block member, is minimized.

Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.

Abstract: A fluidic device for performing assays can include control components such as vacuum pumps, gas pumps, “broken open valves,” and “self-close valves” for controlling the flow of fluids in the fluidic device. The vacuum pump can be used to pull a fluid in a specific direction in a channel, and the gas pump can be used to push a fluid in a specific direction in a channel. The broken open valve can be used to connect two separate regions at the control of a user, and the self-close valve can be used to automatically seal off a channel after passage of a fluid. The vacuum pumps, gas pumps, broken open valves, and self close valves can be made small in volume so that the fluidic device can be made as a small and portable device.

Abstract: A microfluidic pinch valve. The valve comprises a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; a valve sleeve defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; a compression member for pinching the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the valve sleeve; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the compression member between a closed position in which the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall.

Abstract: A microfluidic system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention provides a pulsed-laser triggered microfluidic switching mechanism that can achieve a switching time of 70 ?s. This switching speed is two orders of magnitude shorter than that of the fastest switching mechanism utilized in previous ?FACS.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: Methods comprising: providing a suspension comprising magnetizable particles; and delivering the suspension through a gap (3), wherein a magnetic field is applied in the gap, such that the suspension is sheared in the gap in the presence of the magnetic field to form a conditioned suspension; and devices for conditioning suspensions containing magnetizable particles, the device comprising a gap (3) through which the suspension containing magnetizable particles flows and in which a shear force is applied to the suspension containing magnetizable particles, wherein the device furthermore contains a magnet for generating a magnetic field in the gap (3).

Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Abstract: In a capillary pump unit, a capillary pump including a plurality of through portions making a first point and a second point of an approximately flat-plate-shaped base communicable with each other are formed in the base, and a sample liquid is transferred from the first point to the second point by capillary force by the through portions.

Abstract: A microfluidic device that comprises one or a plurality of microchannel structures each of which comprises a microconduit for transport and/or processing of liquid, the inner surface of which comprises a hydrophilic liquid contact surface area (surface area 1) that is delineated in at least one direction by a boundary to a hydrophobic surface area (surface area 2). The characteristic feature is that surface area 2 comprises a rough part that stretches along the boundary.

Abstract: An optofluidic device forming a liquid grating, a liquid detector or a liquid emitter and method(s) of operation.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system comprising a base substrate, a plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and an adhesive component is provided. Each individual microfluidic assembly block defines a channel and has a sidewall defining an aperture into the channel. When the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks are arranged on the base substrate, the aperture into the channel of one microfluidic assembly block aligns with the aperture of another microfluidic assembly block with the channels thereof connected along a plane parallel to the base substrate thereby forming a channel network defined by the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks. The subject invention also provides a method of assembling a microfluidic device. The method comprising the steps of providing the base substrate, providing the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and arranging the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks on the base substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises first and second inlet passages (13) for respective immiscible fluids, these inlet passages merging into a third passage (8) along which the two fluids flow under parallel laminar flow conditions, the third passage being formed with a constriction or other discontinuity (9) causing the two fluids to form into a flow of alternate segments.

Abstract: A micro-fluid reaction vessel includes an upper plate formed of an elastomer, a lower plate adhered to the upper plate, a micro-chamber and a micro-channel formed on an inner surface of the upper plate facing the lower plate and an inlet hole and an outlet hole formed in the upper plate and through which a fluid flows into or out of, respectively. The micro-channel is constructed to be closed by pressure applied to the upper plate and elastically restored when the pressure is not applied. A micro fluid reaction method uses the micro fluid reaction vessel and a method of manufacturing forms the microfluid reaction vessel.

Abstract: In a fluidic device with a storage compartment communication is allowed between the storage compartment and other portions of the device. The communication is controlled through a valve arrangement and a membrane covering the compartment. The valve arrangement can be provided through a sealing clamp with clamp fingers. The clamp fingers control communication between the storage compartment and remaining portions of the fluidic device.