Centrifugal Force Patents (Class 422/506)
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Publication number: 20130209329Abstract: A microchip which includes a fluid circuit defined by a space formed in the microchip and migrates a liquid present in the fluid circuit to a desired position in the fluid circuit by an applied centrifugal force, and a movement path control region (a surface region where an uneven pattern is formed on an inner surface of the fluid circuit) for controlling a movement path of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventor: Rohm Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130196442Abstract: Provided is a liquid reagent containing microchip having a fluid circuit formed of a space inside thereof. Liquid present in the fluid circuit is transferred to a desired position in the fluid circuit by applying centrifugal force. The fluid circuit includes a reagent retaining portion for accommodating a liquid reagent. The microchip includes an air introduction path formed of a groove provided on an outer surface of the microchip and coupled to the reagent retaining portion for introducing air into the reagent retaining portion, and a sealing portion provided so as to be detachable from the microchip for sealing the air introduction path. A method of using the microchip and a packaged liquid reagent containing microchip using the microchip are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventor: ROHM CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130186512Abstract: A microfluidic device has a chamber for storing a liquid. The chamber includes at least in part a hydrophobic surface on an internal wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Christian Dorrer
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Patent number: 8492157Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Jong Myeon Park, Won Yong Lee, Han Nim Choi, Jung Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8491840Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic device, a method of analyzing a sample using the microfluidic device, and a method of measuring dilution ratios. The microfluidic device includes: a sample chamber which accommodates a sample to be tested; a dilution chamber which accommodates a diluent, receives the sample from the sample chamber, and provides a sample diluent; a first concentration detecting chamber which receives the sample from the sample chamber; and a second concentration detecting chamber which receives the sample diluent from the dilution chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Yang-ui Lee
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Patent number: 8486336Abstract: A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Kageyama, Youichi Aoki
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Patent number: 8481326Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: In Wook Kim
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Patent number: 8480974Abstract: A device for controlling a flow of fluids through n=2m microfluidic channels, m being a natural number>0 includes a substrate having the microfluidic channels therein. Each channel includes m contact points. A respective heating element corresponds to each contact point. Each of a plurality of m pairs of conductor paths corresponds to a respective contact point of each of the microfluidic channels. Each pair includes a first conductor path that is in contact with a respective first half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel and a second conductor path that is in contact with a respective second half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel. A respective control line corresponds to each of the m pairs of conductor paths, where each control line is operable to actuate the corresponding pair of conductor paths with a switching status TRUE or a switching status FALSE.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Karlsruher Institut fuer TechnologieInventors: Bastian Rapp, Achim Voigt, Leonardo Carneiro
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Publication number: 20130171697Abstract: A microfluidic device for controlling a flow of a fluid using centrifugal and rotational force based on a rotatable disc-type body, a method of separating a target material or performing emulsion nucleic acid amplification using the microfluidic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130142697Abstract: A microfluidic device capable of detecting whether a test is conducted as designed using a single chamber, and a microfluidic system including the same are provided. The microfluidic device includes a platform, a plurality of chambers disposed in the platform and configured to contain a fluid, and at least one channel connecting the chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a first container and a second container, a depth of the first container is greater than a depth of the second container, and a cross-sectional area of the first container is different from a cross-sectional area of the second container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8444934Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Universite LavalInventor: Regis Peytavi
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Publication number: 20130109080Abstract: Methods and devices for the thermal processing of samples are disclosed, including portable, integrated processing assemblies for occluding channels in a fluidic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, David J. Franta, Theresa J. Gerten, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Kurt J. Halverson, William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
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Patent number: 8420026Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
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Patent number: 8420017Abstract: A microfluidic device is described that has a slug mixing arrangement. A reaction well has an input flow channel with a first valve near the reaction well, and a second valve further from the reaction well. A fluid source is connected to the segment in between the two valves. A second fluid source is connected behind the second valve. The channel between the two valves receives the first fluid by blind filling when the two valves are closed. The reaction well receives the first fluid followed by the second fluid when the first and second valves are open.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Robert C Jones, Jing Wang, Andrew May, David Cohen
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Patent number: 8414848Abstract: A substrate including a channel part having a chamber in which a liquid can be fed stepwise from a chamber to another chamber at the channel part formed in the substrate, depending on the rotational speed of the substrate. A first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a channel interconnecting them are formed at the channel part formed in the substrate. Furthermore, the width and/or the depth of the first chamber is set smaller than the width and/or the depth of the second chamber. Consequently, the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the first chamber is larger than the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Ozaki, Airi Takagi
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Patent number: 8409447Abstract: A separation chip for separating an insoluble component from a suspension using centrifugal force by rotation, includes a suspension holding tank, a separation liquid holding tank, and an insoluble component holding tank arranged in order from an inner circumferential side during rotation, wherein the suspension holding tank and the insoluble component holding tank are connected to each other, the insoluble component holding tank and the separation liquid holding tank are connected to each other by a narrow portion, and in the insoluble component holding tank, a connecting portion with the suspension holding tank is positioned further toward an outer circumferential side than the narrow portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Ishii, Masashi Higasa, Shingo Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 8398937Abstract: A microchannel 4 for transporting a specimen S using capillary phenomenon includes an analysis chamber 6 having a cross-sectional area larger than those of portions located in front of and behind the analysis chamber 6 in the direction of flow, an inflow opening 5 through which the specimen S flows into the analysis chamber 6, and a discharge portion 7 through which the specimen S is discharged from the analysis chamber 6. The discharge portion 7 includes a pair of discharge openings 71a and 71b located opposite to each other with respect to the inflow opening 5. With this structure, impairment of transport of the specimen S due to the presence of a residual air bubble is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.Inventors: Shigeru Kitamura, Kotaro Shinozaki
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Patent number: 8377393Abstract: There is provided a microchip having an introduction portion introducing a liquid, a valve, and an ejection portion ejecting the liquid. The valve connects the introduction portion and the ejection portion, and retains the liquid such that surface tension of the liquid prevents the liquid from being ejected to the ejection portion. The liquid can be ejected from the introduction portion to the ejection portion by applying to the liquid centrifugal force larger than the surface tension of the liquid. Such a microchip according to the present invention has a simple configuration and allows easy control of retaining and flowing of a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun Momose
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Patent number: 8372357Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Gyros Patent ABInventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Ekstrand, Gérald Jesson
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Patent number: 8343428Abstract: A microchip including a first substrate with a groove formed on a substrate surface or a pass-through hole passing in a thickness direction of the substrate, and one or more second substrates laminated on a surface of the first substrate; the microchip including an optical measurement cuvette consisting of a space configured by the groove or the pass-through hole, and a substrate surface of the second substrate; wherein a side wall surface of the second substrate is positioned on an inner side than a side wall surface of the first substrate in at least one part of a side wall surface of the microchip, and a method of using the same are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akinori Yokogawa, Toshihiro Mori
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Patent number: 8337775Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Pugia, Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
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Publication number: 20120322132Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung CHO, Jeong-gun LEE, Beom-seok LEE, Jong-myeon PARK
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Patent number: 8333935Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a microfluidic structure formed in a platform in which various examinations, such as an immune serum examination, can be automatically performed using the biomolecule microarray chip. The biomolecule microarray chip-type microfluidic device using a biomolecule microarray chip comprises: a platform which is rotatable; a microfluidic structure disposed in the platform, comprising: a plurality of chambers; a plurality of channels connecting the chambers each other; and a plurality of valves controlling flow of fluids through the channels, wherein the microfluidic structure controls flow of a fluid sample using rotation of the platform and the valves; and a biomolecule microarray chip mounted in the platform such that biomolecule capture probes bound to the biomolecule microarray chip contact the fluid sample in the microfluidic structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Beom-seok Lee, Jeong-gun Lee, Jong-myeon Park, Yoon-kyoung Cho
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Patent number: 8327726Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dogyoon Kim, Yoonkyoung Cho, Hansang Kim, Yangui Lee
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Patent number: 8313954Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLCInventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
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Patent number: 8304203Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.Inventors: Frank Zaugg, Renee Tobias, Silvia McManus-Munoz, Peter Kernen, Laurence Ruiz-Taylor, Peter Wagner
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Patent number: 8303911Abstract: A microfluidic system for processing a sample includes a microfluidic CD in the form a rotatable disc, the disc containing a plurality of separate lysis chambers therein. A magnetic lysis blade and lysis beads are disposed in each of the lysis chambers and a plurality of stationary magnets are disposed adjacent to and separate from the microfluidic CD. The stationary magnets are configured to magnetically interact with each of the magnetic lysis blades upon rotation of the microfluidic CD. Each lysis chamber may have its own separate sample inlet port or, alternatively, the lysis chambers may be connected to one another with a single inlet port coupled to one of the lysis chambers. Downstream processing may include nucleic acid amplification using thermoelectric heating as well as detection using a nucleic acid microarray.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jonathan P. Siegrist, Robert A. Gorkin, III, Regis Peytavi, Marc Madou, Horacio Kido, Mary Amasia, Emmanuel Roy, Teodor Veres
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Patent number: 8273310Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
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Patent number: 8268262Abstract: A microfluidic device that comprises several microchannel structures in which there are an inlet port, an outlet port and there between a structural unit comprising a fluidic function. The structural unit can be selected amongst units enabling a) retaining of nl-aliquots comprising constituents which has been defined by mixing of aliquots within the microfluidic device (unit A), b) mixing of aliquots of liquids (unit B), c) partition of larger aliquots of liquids into smaller aliquots of liquids and distributing the latter individually and in parallel to different microchannel structure of the same microfluidic device (unit C), d) quick penetration into a microchannel structure of an aliquot of a liquid dispensed to an inlet port of a microchannel structure (unit D), and e) volume definition integrated within a microchannel structure (unit E).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Gyros Patent ABInventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Thorsen
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Publication number: 20120230889Abstract: A microchip includes a fluid circuit defined by a space formed in the microchip and migrates a liquid present in the fluid circuit to a desired position in the fluid circuit by applying a centrifugal force, the fluid circuit being made of thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is a polymer having an alkyl group of more than 3 carbon atoms as side chains.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shun Momose, Hiroki Takeuchi, Nobuaki Jitsuhara, Munekazu Tsujikawa
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Patent number: 8263025Abstract: Ends (134a-1) of projections (134a) do not contact a first substrate (11), forming a gap between the ends (134a-1) and the first substrate (11). The internal capacity of a suction pump (17) can be increased by an amount by which the projections (134a) are shortened, compared to a conventional structure in which pillars are formed to connect the ceiling and bottom of the cavity of a capillary pump. The capacity of the suction pump (17) can be increased without enlarging the planar shape. Further, the ends (134a-1) of the projections (134a) do not contact the first substrate (11), forming a gap between them. An impurity can pass through the gap, and clogging of the inside of the suction pump (17) with the impurity can be prevented, realizing a stable operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Toru Miura, Tsutomu Horiuchi, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Michiko Seyama, Serge Camou, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Jun-ichi Takahashi
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Patent number: 8257974Abstract: In the case of passing a reagent in a reaction channel in a microchip, which carries a reactant capable of reacting with the reagent on the wall thereof, and bringing the reactant into contact with the reagent so as to carry out a reaction, the reagent is efficiently passed to the reactant to thereby promote the progress of the reaction. In carrying out the reaction as described above, the reagent (30a) is passed in such a manner that the periphery of the gas/liquid interface at the front end of the reagent moves forward and backward along the wall face of the reaction channel (10). After the completion of the reaction between the reagent (30a) and the reactant, another reagent (30b), which is to be reacted with the reactant capable of reacting with the reagent that is carried on the reaction channel, is passed into the reaction channel (10) while providing a gas in the front edge side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventors: Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando, Youichi Aoki, Kohsuke Tanimoto
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Patent number: 8257667Abstract: A support device for a cytocentrifuge sample container includes a support body including spaced edge fingers and a clip hinged to the support body. The clip has a latch for each spaced edge finger of the support body and edge members each including lugs engaging slotted ledges in the sample container.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Biomedical Polymers, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Stamas, Michael Faulkner
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Publication number: 20120207654Abstract: A microfluidic device having a chamber with a fluid discharge configuration is provided. The microfluidic device includes a platform including a chamber configured to accommodate a fluid therein. The chamber includes an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall disposed outwardly from the inner sidewall in a radial direction of the platform. The outer sidewall includes a first point located closest to a center of the platform, and a second point located farthest from the center of the platform. A distance from the center of the platform to an arbitrary third point on the outer sidewall between the first point and the second point increases from the first point to the second point, so that the fluid near the first point is guided to the second point by centrifugal force during rotation of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yong Koo LEE, Na Hui KIM, Jong Gun LEE
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Patent number: 8226908Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components allowing volumetric quantitation of fluids. Using the perforation of the material functionality such as metering and multiplexing are achieved on a microscale. This functionality is achieved through basic operations, like dosimeters filling, dosimeters purging, dosimeters extraction, dosimeters ventilation and channels routing.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Spinx, Inc.Inventors: Piero Zucchelli, Bart Van de Vyver
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Compact disk based system for separating immunomagnetic bead labeled particulates and method thereof
Patent number: 8226826Abstract: Disclosed is a disk based system for separating at least two types of particulates contained in a sample fluid. The system includes a disk-like carrier board and a magnetic attraction unit. The disk-like carrier board forms at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, at least one separation chamber, and at least one outer reservoir arranged in sequence from a geometric center of the disk-like carrier board to an outer circumferential rim of the disk-like carrier board. A method of separation carried out with the system includes introducing the sample fluid into the inner reservoir and then rotating the disk-like carrier board to induce a centrifugal force. The sample fluid contains particulates that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads and the labeled particulates are attracted by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic attraction unit to retain in the inner reservoir or the separation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Andrew M. Wo, Chen-Lin Chen, Ken-Chao Chen, Yu-Cheng Pan -
Patent number: 8221704Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-myeon Park, Jeong-gun Lee, Jung-suk Yoo
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Patent number: 8221701Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device that can automatically perform various types of biological blood analysis. In the microfluidic device, a specimen is centrifugally separated and the centrifugally separated specimen is diluted into various dilution ratios. Also, at least two reagents that are required for one reaction and that need to be separately stored are stored in separate chambers, and they are mixed when a reaction is needed. Thus, various conventional blood analyzing reagents can be used as they are or after being minimally processed in the microfluidic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Do-gyoon Kim, Jung-nam Lee, Hee-kyun Lim
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Patent number: 8197774Abstract: A microchip is provided, in which dead space provided only for holding excess fluid is made smaller. The microchip is formed by joining at least a first substrate with a trench formed on the substrate surface and a second substrate, and it has a fluid circuit formed by the trench and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate and/or the second substrate has a projection for moving fluid and/or air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity during an operation of the microchip, and the projection is provided near an end portion of a through hole and/or an air vent.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akinori Yokogawa, Shun Momose
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Patent number: 8191715Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee
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Patent number: 8168444Abstract: A substrate having a channel portion in which a liquid transfers, wherein, even if the channel portion has no micro-channel interconnecting chambers, a liquid can transfer stepwise from one region to the next region according to the speed of rotation of the substrate. The substrate can be rotated about a rotation axis as the center, and has the channel portion including the chambers formed therein. The inner wall of each chamber has a first area including an area intersecting with a centrifugal direction from the center; and also has a second area placed at a position farther from the center than the first area, and including a surface intersecting with the centrifugal direction from the center. Further, the first area has a region for holding a droplet of a liquid provided; and also has a region where a contact with the droplet expands when the substrate is rotated, and that communicate with the second area.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Ozaki, Tomohiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8137624Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for attaching a fluid cell to a planar substrate. The planar substrate may have on it sensors or devices for detecting components within the fluid, and/or be treated to selectively bind or react with components within the fluid. Substrates might include solid-state IC integrated circuit sensor microchips, glass slides, genomic and proteomic arrays, and or other suitable substrates that can make conformal contact with the fluid cell. The fluid cell can be mounted directly on top of the substrate to easily create a fluidic system in a wide variety of implementations. The assembly does not require modification of the substrate; all the fluidic connections are inherent in the apparatus. The present device can be made using low-cost materials and simple methods.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Michael P. Malito, Cy R. Tamanaha, Lloyd J Whitman
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Patent number: 8128795Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biosensor being provided with a suction cavity which sucks a certain amount of sample by means of capillary phenomenon, the biosensor including a flow channel to connect the suction cavity and an analytical cavity furnished with a reagent, wherein, the flow channel has a narrowed section provided with a gap formed by narrowing a flow passage area. The narrowed section has a function to retain the sample in the suction cavity when the sample is sucked therein, and a function to circulate the sample retained in the suction cavity into the analytical cavity through the gap, when a centrifugal force is applied from the outside. The two functions held by the narrowed section enables a simple collection of blood sample, and further enables a simple transfer of the blood sample to the analytical area by applying the centrifugal force to the blood sample, as well as facilitating a component extraction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunji Egawa
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Patent number: 8128893Abstract: Processing devices that include one or more process arrays with thermal transfer structures that can be used alone or in conjunction with gravity/rotation to transport fluids within a microfluidic system. The thermal transport function can be accomplished by changing the temperature of one or more chambers to create a vacuum to draw fluids in selected directions within the process array. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide the ability to move fluids in a direction that is against the direction of gravity or any centrifugal forces generated by rotating a processing device using the thermal transfer structures. In other words, fluids may be moved against the direction of gravity or towards the axis of rotation using the thermally-activated vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Jeffrey C. Pederson
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Patent number: 8124030Abstract: A centrifugal microfluidic device includes a substrate configured for rotation about an axis, the substrate having a start chamber disposed therein, the start chamber configured to hold a liquid. The device includes an output chamber disposed in the substrate and located radially outward of the start chamber. A fluid transfer channel connects the start chamber to the output chamber. A ventilation channel connects the output chamber to the start chamber, the ventilation channel connecting at one end to a radially inward portion of the start chamber and at an opposing end to a junction point on the output chamber. A vent hole is provided in the substrate that is operatively connected to the output chamber. The location of the junction between the ventilation channel and the output chamber is located radially outward with respect to the level of fluid in the start chamber so as to prevent cross-contamination.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Brian Sa
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Patent number: 8105551Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Jongmyeon Park, Jeonggun Lee
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Patent number: 8101138Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
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Patent number: 8096314Abstract: A fluidic device includes a fluidic module with a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber closed with the exception of a fluidic connection to the first fluid chamber. A drive is formed to impart the fluidic module with a first rotation at a rotational frequency below a rotational frequency threshold at which liquid is pneumatically held in the first fluid chamber and does not enter the second fluid chamber. The drive is further formed to impart the fluidic module with a second rotation at a second rotational frequency above the rotational frequency threshold at which a liquid column created in the first fluid chamber becomes unstable and the liquid enters the second fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft fuer angewandte Forschung e.V.Inventors: Daniel Mark, Stefan Haeberle, Felix Von Stetten, Jens Ducree
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Patent number: 8092759Abstract: Microfluidic sample processing disks with a plurality of fluid structures formed therein are disclosed. Each of the fluid structures preferably includes an input well and one or more process chambers connected to the input well by one or more delivery channels. The process chambers may be arranged in a compliant annular processing ring that is adapted to conform to the shape of an underlying thermal transfer surface under pressure. That compliance may be delivered in the disks of the present invention by locating the process chambers in an annular processing ring in which a majority of the volume is occupied by the process chambers. Compliance within the annular processing ring may alternatively be provided by a composite structure within the annular processing ring that includes covers attached to a body using pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
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Patent number: 8057759Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of controlling a microfluidic system, and the microfluidic system. The apparatus of controlling the microfluidic system includes a central control block controlling an operation of the microfluidic system, a rotator control block controlling a rotator, a position control block controlling the position of a moving unit, the moving unit moving to a position of the microfluidic structure, and a radiation energy source control block controlling energy of a radiation energy source, the radiation energy source using an electromagnetic wave to scan over a position of the microfluidic structure. Such a configuration allows effective control of a miniaturized portable microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park