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 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 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 first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 of a fluid handling apparatus travels to the open end thereof on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. The movement of the first liquid is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of a capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the first flow passage 6. Then, the movement of a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of the capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the second flow passage 7. Thus, the movement of the front end of the second liquid is substantially uniformed to surely extrude gas from the second flow passage 7 to the outside via a fourth flow passage 10.

Abstract: High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing microfluidic processes comprising a base (50), a plurality of fluidic modules (20) releasably attached to the base (50), each fluidic module (20) comprising a fluid port (25) and a microfluidic manifold module (40) comprising a plurality of ports (45). A frame (70) is attached to the base (50) for releasably retaining the microfluidic manifold module (40), the frame (70) being moveable relatively to the base (50) to move the microfluidic manifold module (40) into contact with the fluidic modules (20) such that each fluid port (25) of the fluidic modules (20) aligns and seals with a respective port (45) on the microfluidic manifold module (40) thus completing a microfluidic circuit. A method for constructing and testing the apparatus (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing assembly includes at least first and second liquid sources, a microfluidic manifold, a first capillary valve between the first liquid source and the manifold, and a second capillary valve between the second liquid source and the manifold, wherein the first capillary valve is configured to open and provide a first liquid flow to the microfluidic manifold in response to an external force and the second capillary valves is configured to be opened by the first liquid flow.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either electric current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to electrokinetically inducing fluid flow to confine a selected material in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field. Other structures for inducing fluid flow in accordance with this invention include nanochannel bridging membranes and alternating current fluid pumping devices. Applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microvalve for controlling a fluid flow in a microchannel, to a microfluidic circuit using the microvalve, and to a manufacturing method thereof. The microvalve has a first electrode located on a portion of the microchannel, a second electrode over the microchannel and substantially aligned with the first electrode forming a membrane with substantially no resilience. In function, upon application of an electric force on the first and second electrodes, the second electrode draws nearer the first electrode, thus obstructing the microchannel. The microfluidic circuit comprises multiple microchannels and at least one microvalve affixed to one of the multiple microchannels, wherein the at least one microvalve is adapted to indirectly actuate a flexible valve adapted to regulate a flow of fluid in another one of a multiplicity of microchannels.

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: 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: There is provided a microfluidic device capable of preventing the flow of a fluid from being interrupted by bubbles generated in a micro flow passage. In a microfluidic device 10 wherein a micro flow passage 16 having a substantially constant height is formed for allowing a fluid to flow therein and wherein a narrow portion is formed in a portion of the micro flow passage by forming a columnar portion 12c or the like in the micro flow passage, an extending recessed portion 14c for extending the micro flow passage upwards is formed upstream of the narrow portion, and a plurality of raised portions extending in substantially parallel to longitudinal directions of the micro flow passage are formed on a portion of the bottom face of the micro flow passage facing the extending recessed portion if necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro fluid transferring system that comprises a micropump having a chamber, a first fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber, and a second fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber. This system is characterized in that at least one of the first and second fluid transferring portions comprises a pressure absorbing section for absorbing or alleviating a liquid vibrational pressure therein.

Abstract: For those spray applications that use a fluidic oscillator of the type that generates a spray by having a pressurized liquid flow through the oscillator and exhaust into a surrounding environment, and where such an oscillator has a boundary surface which has fabricated into it a channel in the form of what is referred to herein as fluidic circuit, an improved enclosure for this oscillator includes: a body having an interior and an exterior surface, wherein a portion of this interior surface is configured to attach to the oscillator boundary surface so as to form with the oscillator's channel an enclosed pathway through which the to-be-sprayed liquid may flow, and wherein a segment of this interior surface is configured so as to yield specified properties of the resulting spray.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: A microvolume liquid dispensing device capable of automatically dispensing a predetermined volume of a microvolume liquid has been provided. Because one surface of a main channel (13) is gradually varied from a hydrophobic property to a hydrophilic property, a microvolume liquid (A) placed in the main channel (13) can be automatically transported. One surface of a side channel (14) is of a hydrophilic property, so that a potion of the microvolume liquid (A) can be automatically guided to the side channel (14).

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill.

Abstract: An air purge apparatus and method is presented to protect an imaging system from contamination by particulate matter and other substances in the ambient environment. The apparatus is adapted to be placed adjacent to a viewing window, lens or optics of an imaging system and to provide a protective flow of air. The apparatus includes a curved surface to direct air from a first plenum toward an imaging path in front of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes one or more openings nearer the lens to direct air from a second plenum into the imaging path. The air from the first plenum entrains air from the second plenum and ambient air to create a fluid stream away from the viewing window, lens, or optics and may form a fluid barrier to reduce contamination of a volume of air in the imaging path of the imaging sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microfluidic liquid-movement device. The movement device according to the invention comprises a microchannel (10) provided with an opening (11B) onto the environment, the microchannel (10) being filled with a first liquid (F1) and a second liquid (F3), the two liquids being separated by a separating fluid (F2). Injection of the second liquid (F3) through the opening (11B) is obtained by movement of the first liquid (F1) by electrowetting.

Abstract: When a first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 moves therein toward a connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the first flow passage 6 is pushed by the moving first liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a third flow passage 14 and an external environment communication passage 8, so that the first liquid moves to the end of a fifth flow passage 16, which is formed in the connecting portion 10, on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. Then, when a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 moves therein toward the connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the second flow passage 7 is pushed by the moving second liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a fourth flow passage 15 and the external environment communication passage 8, so that a liquid-liquid interface level between the first and second liquids is formed in the connecting portion 10.

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: 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: Disclosed herein is a micro-fluidic chip including a hollow area into which a charged droplet is introduced, and an electrode configured to be provided toward the hollow area. Movement direction of a droplet in the hollow area is controlled based on electric force acting between a charge given to the droplet and the electrode.

Abstract: A fluidic module is described, the fluidic module comprising a fluidic connector located at the bottom side of the fluidic module, the fluidic connector comprising a fluid port, wherein, when the fluidic module is placed on top of a further fluidic module, the fluidic connector is in contact with a further fluidic connector of said further fluidic module, and a fluid tight fluidic connection is established between said fluid port and a corresponding fluid port of said further fluidic connector.

Abstract: Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: Micro-valves and micro-pumps and methods of fabricating micro-valves and micro-pumps. The micro-valves and micro-pumps include electrically conductive diaphragms fabricated from electrically conductive nano-fibers. Fluid flow through the micro-valves and pumping action of the micro-pumps is accomplished by applying electrostatic forces to the electrically conductive diaphragms.

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 method of treating an orally ingestible item having an original taste to be enhanced or reduced without imparting bitterness to the item, includes exposing the item to a magnetic field and oxygen.

Abstract: Method for producing a microfluidic device comprising a step in which a stamp made of elastomeric material is used for printing a photo-curable and/or heat-curable liquid disposed on a support.

Abstract: A dual-cavity fluid conveying apparatus includes a flow-converging device, a first cavity body, and a second cavity body. The flow-converging device includes two sides corresponding to each other; a first channel and a second channel both passing through the two sides; and an inlet passage and an outlet passage both arranged between the two sides and communicated with the first channel and the second channel, respectively. The first cavity body and the second cavity body are symmetrically disposed at the two sides of the flow-converging device, wherein the first cavity body and the second cavity body each includes a valve cover disposed on one side of the flow-converging device, a valve membrane interposed between the one side of the flow-converging device and the valve cover, and an actuating device disposed circumferentially on the valve cover so as to define, together with the valve cover, a pressure chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic network comprising a plurality of droplet emitters forming droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid immiscible in the first fluid to produce an outlet stream of droplets, wherein each of the emitters are in fluid communication with each other via the network and all have an auto-synchronised droplet formation frequency by hydrodynamic interaction between the emitters is provided. The synchronisation gives a surprisingly narrow droplet size distribution for the network.

Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.

Abstract: A plurality of thin welded sheets (102) of an apparatus (100) in an example comprises a plurality of weld lines (304) that defines a plurality of fluid boundaries of a fluid pathway (305) of the plurality of thin welded sheets (102). In a further example, a plurality of thin sheets (102) is welded to form a plurality of weld lines (304) that defines a plurality of fluid boundaries of a fluid pathway (305) of the plurality of thin sheets (102).

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: A one-piece, microfluidic package with standardized multiple ports allows devices to be connected in series without resorting to extra tubing connections or bonding processes. The one-piece construction consists of microfluidic channels that can be connected to fluid reservoirs and other fluidic components fabricated with interconnecting and interlocking ports. The size of the friction-fit interlocking ports is designed such that the smaller male port fits snugly into the larger female port in a manner that is leak-free and adhesive-free. The friction-fit ports can also be reconfigured. Thus, the interconnection of microfluidic packages can be in an extended series including connections to sensors and devices such as a bio/biochemical/chemical sensor chip, a dielectrophoretic manipulator chip, and a microfluidic reactor chip.

Abstract: A fluid handling structure includes: an actuation area (03, 08) to control fluid flow within the structure; and a plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13) within the actuation area (03, 08); wherein the actuation area (63, 68) is constructed and arranged to activate or control each of the plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13). A fluid handling structure comprising: a fluid channel (204); and a deformable material (202); wherein the fluid channel is bounded, at least in part, by the deformable material (202). A fluidic device comprising: at least one channel (403) defining a path for the travel of an electromagnetic wave. A method of performing a function with an instrument, the method comprising: associating an insert with the instrument, the insert comprising one or more of program code, data, or commands, which enable performance of the function.

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 flow system (1) comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3), the parts (2, 3) being made from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The first (2) and second (3) parts are positioned relatively to each other in such a way that when the ambient temperature changes corresponding changes are caused in a flow channel (4) formed in the first part (2), thereby changing the flow resistance of the flow channel (4). Thereby a change in flow resistance caused by a change in viscosity of a fluid being transported by the flow system (1) can be counteracted. The resulting flow resistance of the flow system (1) is thereby at least substantially independent of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, a micro fluidic system comprising the flow system (1). The micro fluidic system may be or form part of a medical device, a fluid analysis system, e.g. a device for measuring blood glucose levels of blood samples, or an infusion device.

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: 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 are compositions and methods for producing movement of liquid across surfaces.

Abstract: A by-pass fluid flow amplifier which contains a primary nozzle and a primary profile for discharging compressed air into a conduit of the air amplifier and entraining ambient air in the process. A secondary nozzle and a secondary profile for discharging compressed air into the conduit of the air amplifier towards the rear that assists the primary nozzle such as to allow consistent fluid wall attachment of the compressed air and the entrained air caused by the primary nozzle and the primary profile. The secondary nozzle increases the total flow of the amplifier and prohibits the total flow from traveling towards the center of the conduit where flow reversal and turbulence are likely to occur.

Abstract: Devices that include hosts having internal microcapillary networks are disclosed. The microcapillary networks are formed from interconnected passageways. The interconnected passageways may be formed by removing a fugitive material from a cured host material that forms the host. The resultant host material has many applications, including use as a microfluidic device in applications ranging from fluid mixing to structural repair.

Abstract: A electrochemical cell system includes a fluid manifold having a layered structure. The fluid manifold includes at least one conduit layer having a first side and a second side. The at least one conduit layer has at least one conduit channel.

Abstract: A three dimensional microfluidic device for passive sorting and storing of liquid plugs is provided with homogeneous surfaces from the exposure of a photopolymer through binary masking motifs, i.e., arrays of opaque pixels on a transparency mask. The device includes sub-millimeter three-dimensional relief microstructures to aid in the channeling of fluids. The microstructures have topographically modulated features smaller than 100 micrometers.

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 device for passing through a gas mixture comprises a capillary apparatus with one or more capillaries connecting a first side of the capillary apparatus to a second side of the capillary apparatus, wherein each capillary tapers from one side towards the other side of the capillary apparatus at least in sections.

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 method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material to etch a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10 nm can be fabricated in silicon with precision of 5 nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10 nm and 1000 nm in depth. The method is applied to create a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.