Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Qunie Intellectual Property Law Group, P.C.
  • Patent number: 6416642
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating flow rates in microfluidic devices are provided. The methods involve modulating downstream pressure in the device to change the flow rate of materials in an upstream region of the device. Such methods include electrokinetic injection or withdrawal of materials through a side channel and the use of an absorbent material to induce wicking in the channel system. The apparatus provided includes a prefabricated wick in the device to provide for flow rate control. Additional methods for determining velocity of a particle and cell incubation time are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Marja Liisa Alajoki, H. Garrett Wada, Robert S. Dubrow